Northern Capitals

Overview

Discover the delights of the Norse capitals with overnight stays in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki. See Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue and the Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace; Oslo's City Hall, decorated with great Norwegian art from 1900 to 1950; Stockholm's City Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year and Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral, completed in 1852.

UK - Copenhagen

Fly to Copenhagen where on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Welcome to Copenhagen! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Copenhagen

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Church of Our Saviour and the Stock Exchange on the way to Christiansborg Palace, where you visit the elegant Royal Reception Rooms. Drive past the National Museum and the Royal Theatre, and stop for pictures of Amalienborg Palace with its lovely flower gardens, and of the wistful Little Mermaid. In the afternoon, exciting optional excursions are available. Tonight, visit Tivoli Gardens (mid-April to mid-Sept.), the city’s colourful amusement park.

Copenhagen - Gothenburg - Oslo

From Elsinore beneath Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle, board your ferry for Helsingborg. Then, drive to Gothenburg, Sweden’s thriving second-largest city. Admire its beautiful parks, botanical gardens, and well-kept canals during your orientation tour. Highlight is a visit to Gothenburg’s famous indoor food market to taste local snacks at some of the stalls. In the afternoon, continue along the Skagerrak coastline to Norway. Evening arrival in Oslo.

Oslo

Norway’s capital is a study in farsighted urban planning, seeking growth in harmony with nature. Your Local Guide will take you to the National Theatre, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Stroll through magnificent Frogner Park, with Gustav Vigeland’s 200-plus extraordinary bronze and granite sculptures, and visit the modern City Hall. Optional excursions are available for the afternoon and evening.

Oslo - Karlstad - Stockholm

Trace the King’s Road, an ancient trade link between the northern capitals connecting Oslo, Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. Cross the Swedish border to scenic Värmland, beautifully described in Selma Lagerlöf’s Gösta Berlings Saga, on the way to Karlstad on Lake Vänern. Pass the ancient garrison town of Örebro and modern Eskilstuna, known for its stainless steel, and proceed to Stockholm.

Stockholm

Stockholm, scene of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium, is settled on 14 islands between Lake Mälar and the Baltic Sea. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Royal Palace; Riddarholm Church, a walk through the Old Town, and the festive blue and gold chambers in the City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. Later, choose from our optional excursions to make the most of your stay.

Stockholm - Overnight ferry - Helsinki

Morning at leisure. Why not join an excursion to Uppsala? Later, board your ship for the overnight Baltic Sea Cruise to Finland, and enjoy a traditional Smörgåsbord dinner.

Helsinki

Guided sightseeing of Helsinki features the City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, the monumental railroad station, the great Lutheran Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, and the Sibelius Monument. Browse for souvenirs in Helsinki’s local arts and crafts Open-Air Market.

Helsinki

A full day at leisure offers the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Tallinn, capital of Estonia, known as one of the “Pearls of the Baltic” countries. Tonight, a farewell dinner awaits at your hotel.

Helsinki - UK

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.